The Role of T and B Cells in Transfusion Related Immune Reac-Tions: Cytokines and the Removal of Apoptotic Material

Cytokines regulate various aspects of the immune response. In blood mononuclear cells are the major producers of cytokines. Production is tightly regulated and can be influenced by bacterial products, specific immune recognition, other cytokines, Fc-receptor triggering and a variety of biological response modifiers such as prostaglandins. Recently we observed that also coagulation is a major player in this field. Coagulation of whole blood induces massive IL-8 production as well as production of IL-6 and TNFot. IL12 production is suppressed by coagulation. Another way to stimulate IL-8 production that might be relevant to transfusion medicine is by exposure of monocytes to oxygen radicals.